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Issue 108 - 9th November 2007 ISSN 1751-8091 Contents Newsdesk

HM The Queen inaugurates London St Pancras International Page 3

Temporary closure for UK's only original remaining tramway Page 4

First Great Western unveils the new look Class 150 DMU fleet Page 5

EU approves DB/EWS merger but with conditions attached. Page 6

Railtour Listings Page 8 Preservation View Page 15 Events Diary Page 20

Front Cover Class 373 Eurostar 'Half-sets' p The first of the three Nos. (37)3219 and (37)3220 pose Grand Central HSTs finally alongside Class 395 'Javelin' No. made its inaugural run on 395001 at London St Pancras the National Network on International following the 8th November. Following official opening by HM The a trip 'around the bridges' Queen. LCR/Eddie McDonald at Newcastle, the set worked via Sunderland to York, seen here passing Rear Cover Hartlepool with No. 43080 During Past Time Rail's 'Cotton leading and No. 43067 on Mill Express' on 3rd November the rear. LMS Black 5 No. 45407 and BR Michael J. Alderdice Standard 4MT No. 76079 storm away from Greenfields on the t Having been painted outward run. Ken Horan at Wolverhampton Oxley Publication into the base colours of The Railway Herald is due to be its new livery, Class 170/5 No. 170504 worked to published every Friday and is available Tyseley over night on 2nd on e-mail subscription or from our November, pictured here at website at www.railwayherald.co.uk Wolverhampton. Wilf Smith Submissions We welcome submissions from all readers, especially digital photographs. Pictures should be sent to the editor The 2007 at [email protected] Submission Good quality scans of colour Railway slides and prints are also acceptable. Deadline Currently there is no financial Census payment made for photographs published in Railway Herald. Where possible we always try to use news All contributions must be in photographs taken within the as possible. The first Monday So if you have CD's or images production week of the by 12th November! after 10th November is our still to send, please drop them publication date. Submissions for the census actual deadline for submissions. in the post First Class to us Website continue to flood in, again our Unfortunately, due to the volume or send them on an email to Our website contains all the back thanks to everyone. of information and images, we [email protected] issues of the magazine together with If you still have any cannot guarantee that anything We will keep you up to date a host of new features which will be submissions to send then please that arrives after Monday on the developments as we wade can you submit them, via email 12th November will be through the information and online soon! www.railwayherald.co.uk or through the post as soon included. pictures. Keep them coming!

National Rail Timetable The entire UK National Rail Timetable is now available as a PDF download Editorial Team: from the Network Rail website. Richard Tuplin Editor [email protected] Produced in the same fashion Brian Morrison Contributing Editor [email protected] as the printed version and John Whitehouse Railtour Editor [email protected] ordered by table number, the current timetable is available by Editorial Address: clicking here. The Railway Herald, PO Box 252, Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire. United Kingdom. DN17 2WY The railway by-laws and Telephone: 0844 870 0735 - please note the new number! E-mail: [email protected] information for enthusiasts are also available online from the Network Rail website, by Railway Herald is produced by Railway Herald Ltd (Registered as company number 05837609 in England) clicking here. Registered office: Hobarn House, 12 Brompton Road, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, DL6 1DY © Copyright Railway Herald Ltd 2006-2007

2 RailwayThe Herald NewsDesk

HM The Queen inaugurates London St. Pancras International

HM The Queen, accompanied Hitachi-built Class 395 'Javelin' by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, for Southeastern arriving launched High Speed 1, currently to specifically written musical the UK’s final section of high- accompaniment. The Queen then speed railway, and officially met the three drivers concerned opened St Pancras International before being introduced to those Station on 6th November. involved with the construction Her Majesty and His Royal of the station, before receiving Highness arrived by car at the a specially commissioned Hotel Arch beneath the Gothic commemorative replica of the façade of the Grand Midland grand station clock, unveiling an Hotel,. where they were greeted official plaque and receiving a by Sir David Cooksey, Chairman posy of flowers. of London & Continental Rob Holden, chief executive of Railways, the company behind the London & Continental Railways project. said: “The completion of High The Royal Party sat on Speed 1 and the opening of St specially built platforms beneath Pancras International, on time the Barlow trainshed roof and and within budget, is a great The Queen delivered an address source of pride for the thousands to an invited audience of over of men and women who have pp The official opening of St Pancras International featured two Eurostars 1,000 guests, including senior been involved in one of the most and a Class 395 'Javelin'. From left to right are Class 373 Eurostars Nos. political figures from London, the significant projects in UK railway (37)3001 and (37)3002, (37)3219 and (37)3220 and Class 395 No. 395001. UK and Europe. A state-of-the- history. For Her Majesty to have art light, sound and film show been here to officially declare the p The actual opening of St. Pancras and High Speed 1 was undertaken by was accompanied by music from new high-speed line and station HM The Queen on 6th November. Both: LCR / Eddie Macdonald the Royal Philharmonic Concert open is a fitting tribute.” Orchestra, performing with 'chart Preparations are now topper' Lemar and Katherine continuing for St Pancras Bookings rocket for Eurostar Jenkins. The finale of the event International to open fully, ready Eurostar has announced that it the launch of services from St consisted of a film about the for public services to start when has taken more than one million Pancras International on 14th £10.5 billion of regeneration Eurostar completes its move bookings for travel on High November, and represents an that forms the legacy of High from Waterloo to St Pancras Speed 1, the UK’s 186mph line. 11% increase in the number of Speed 1, followed by two International overnight on The milestone was passed bookings at the same time last Eurostar sets and one of the 13th/14th November. with just one week to go before year.

RailwayThe Herald 3 NewsDesk

Metro & Light Rail u Tube Lines, the company rebuilding the Jubilee, Northern and Piccadilly lines, has begun refurbishing Acton Town station as part of its station upgrade programme for 2007/2008. The works will take place during the hours when the station is closed during the night, and every night there will be a team of up to 30 on the site, with the work including installation of two new lifts to be completed by early autumn 2008. Other work includes improvement of lighting, the number off CCTV cameras increased from 24 to 71 and the installation of 11 new Help Points. u London Underground Managing Director, Tim O’Toole, and the PPP Administrator of Metronet, Alan Bloom, confirmed on 8th November that Transport for London (TfL) is the only formal bidder received for Metronet. They also confirmed that, as a result of the Transport for London bid, the PPP Administrator would not now take any active steps to market Metronet. Under TfL plans, the people and the assets of the Temporary closure for Blackpool Tramway two Metronet companies, BCV and The famous tramway at Blackpool, the only having track replacements. SSL, will be transferred into two TfL surviving example of Britain's original and once Incorrect reporting in the local media led the nominee companies, which will be extensive tram network, closed on 5th November operators to issue a clear statement that the closure managed on a standalone basis, while until Easter 2008 to allow major track renewals to was only temporary! During the closure the parallel the long-term structure is agreed take place. No.1 bus route will be extended to Fleetwood as a with the Mayor and the Government. The main centre of work will be undertaken from replacement. The Administrator anticipates being Glyn Square to Bispham, with other smaller sections able to transfer Metronet to TfL from Pleasure Beach to South Pier, Rigby Road to p One of the 1934-built 'Balloon' trams, No. 713 calls control by early 2008. Central Pier and Norbreck to Little Bispham also at Pleasure Beech on 1st November. Mark Bearton RailwayThe Herald Digital advertising provides immediacy and feedback unlike any other. The Railway HeraldISSN 1751-8091

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u Extensive work commissioned by Network Rail starts this month at Shipley station in West Yorkshire. The five-month programme will provide step-free access from the station entrance to and between the platforms. On Platforms 3 and 4, which serve to Ilkley, Bradford and Leeds, a new footbridge is being constructed along with two lifts and stairs. Two new lifts will also be installed on the existing footbridge on Platforms 1 and 2, used for services between Skipton and Leeds. All the new lifts will be fully Disability Discrimination Act compliant and fitted with closed-circuit television. Network Rail is managing and delivering the improvements, which are being funded by the Department for Transport’s 'Access for All' fund. Over 300 services a day call at the station, which handles over one million customers every year.

u An interesting find among a small bundle of ageing Great p Displaying the First Great Western 'regional' style livery, Class 150 No. 150247 stands in the workshops of the Northern Railway paperwork Pullman Group at Cardiff on 5th November. All: Chris Perkins received by the Vintage Carriages Trust (VCT) included railway advertising posters First Great Western shows off regional fleet from 1889 and 1890, the first First Great Western unveiled the carrying out the work on eight the regional theme, with the relating to the Paris Exhibition first Class 150 in its new-look Class 143 trains, while Wabtec names of beauty spots, tourist of 1889 and the second to West Country regional fleet on Rail in Doncaster is now part attractions, pubs and schools on a Whitsuntide Holiday trip. 5th November. way through similar work on the the side of the carriages. The posters have offers to The work is part of an £11 21 Class 158 sets, which operate Colin Robinson, Managing passengers from Keighley, million investment in local on key inter-urban routes in the Director and owner of the Halifax, Shipley, Batley and other services and the first of 17 Class region, and the 11 single car Class Pullman Group, said: “This is Yorkshire towns and cities, 150/2 DMUs to go through the 153s, which operate mainly on a major contract win for the the four to six-day Paris rail programme were unveiled in the rural branch lines. Pullman Group and we are trip costing £3.19.6d (about Pullman Group workshops in The budget for the interior delighted to be working for First £350 in today’s money) and Cardiff. improvements is £4 million and Great Western. We have made the holiday excursion priced The investment, which includes the key features of the new look significant investment into our at £3.10.3d. VCT has had both a major engineering overhaul, trains include a vibrant new colour facilities here in Cardiff so that we posters professionally restored new interiors and new livery, scheme of lilac and blue, new can carry out the work required and framed and they are now will improve performance and toilets (including a drain-away for this project and hope that it on view in the Trust’s Ingrow reliability, as well as providing floor) which have been designed will lead to further large scale Museum on the Keighley & a better environment for both for easy cleaning. New floor projects – not just with First Worth Valley Railway in West passengers and staff. coverings and lighting have also Great Western, but with other Yorkshire. Safety on board the train has been fitted throughout and seats train operators.” been developed with £1 million have been re-upholstered. Earlier in the year, First Great u First ScotRail is introducing being spent on installing CCTV Michael Rodber, who is Western and Network Rail more enhanced services in its to improve passenger and staff responsible for First Great announced a £1 billion investment winter timetable, which comes security, with laminated glass also Western’s new-look fleet of HSTs, in the region to completely renew into effect on 9th December, being introduced as an additional has been involved with the design infrastructure, stations and the including Sunday trains on safety measure. of the new look interiors. fleet within the Greater Western the Glasgow to Larkhall via Pullman Group will also be The exterior livery continues franchise area. Hamilton line. q The standardised colour scheme and seat covering that q The 2+2 seating arrangement provides more comfort The hourly services build on can be seen across the entire HST and DMU fleets. over the older 2+3 seating. the success of what is the first new branch line in Scotland for 25 years - and will allow the new stations at Larkhall, Merryton and Chatelherault to open on Sundays. There will also be an hourly Glasgow-Stirling service via Croy, providing passengers in Bishopbriggs with all-year round Sunday trains and the last Edinburgh to Glasgow train via Shotts will now call at Uddingston and Cambuslang on Mondays to Saturdays.

RailwayThe Herald 5 NewsDesk

Merger of DB and EWS approved by European Commission Under the EU Merger Regulation, the European Commission has approved the proposed acquisition of English Welsh & Scottish Railway Holdings by (DB), subject to certain conditions. The Commission's decision is subject to the commitment of DB to fulfil EWS's expansion plans and to provide non-discriminatory access to certain EWS training activities and maintenance facilities in France. In light of this commitment, the Commission has concluded that the proposed transaction would not significantly impede effective competition in the European Economic Area or any substantial part of it. Despite the lack of overlap in the two companies activities in any market, the Commission had concerns that the proposed transaction would result in a possible weakening of the competitive constraint exercised by EWS, a new entrant in this market in France. This concern was on the basis that DB may not have the same incentives to pursue the rail freight transport business in France with the same intensity as EWS would in the absence of the merger. To address the Commission's concerns, DB has committed to fulfil the EWS expansion p The familiar clapper boards at London Liverpool Street are no more. These new digital displays came plans in France in the next five years through into use on 7th November. James Taylor investments in and personnel as set out in the EWS Business Plan and New destination screens at Liverpool Street to deploy these in France. As an additional Liverpool Street is the last London mainline service to' panel, linked automatic PA guarantee of maintaining competition in this terminus to have its old-style departure/ announcing, and the flexibility to display market, DB committed to provide fair and non- arrival flapper boards replaced. information about service alterations and discriminatory access to EWS Driver Training The latest equipment with up-to-date LED engineering works. Schools and maintenance facilities in France for technology with its liquid crystal black and As well as having better clarity, the new all third party rail operators (except SNCF) orange display makes the new boards easier to Customer Information System display is in thereby lowering these potential barriers to read and maintain. departure and arrival time order rather than entry and expansion for companies wishing to The system's features also include a by region, which was sometimes somewhat enter the French rail freight market. dedicated ‘Stansted Express’ panel, a 'fastest confusing to passengers. Lighting up at Cockwood Harbour q The South Devon mainline is closed every weekend until Mid-December for track renewals. On 3rd November, work was taking place to renew the 'up' line between Dawlish Warren and Cockwood Harbour. One of the locomotives involved in hauling the engineering trains was Yeoman-liveried Class 59/0 No. 59004 Paul A. Hammond, pictured here at Cockwood Harbour, being lit by the temporary lighting of the worksite. The new fence which has recently been erected at this location can just be seen in the foreground. Nathan Williamson

6 RailwayThe Herald NewsDesk New station approved for Ricoh stadium Approval has finally been granted for the construction of a station at the Ricoh Arena complex, situated to the north of Coventry on the Coventry to Nuneaton line. As well as being the home of Coventry City FC, the Arena, which sits on the west side of the line, hosts other sporting events and live concerts. It also has large conference facilities as well a hotel and a casino within the complex. Additionally, a large shopping centre is located on the east side, which includes what was the largest Tesco in Europe at the time of construction. u Class 66/0 No. 66227 passes through the site of the new station with the diverted 11.40 Washwood Heath to Eastleigh service on 20th October. Ron Kosys Virgin marks its Southeastern opens new training centre role as sponsor of Capital of Culture To mark the involvement of Virgin Trains as a key sponsor of Liverpool's European Capital of Culture Year, television producer and Liverpool '08 Ambassador, Phil Redmond, unveiled a special commemorative graphic around the nameplate of No 390031 City of Liverpool at Liverpool Lime Street station on 7th. November. Virgin Trains currently operates 15 trains each way on weekdays between Liverpool and London Euston. From 2009, the company has announced that it will be The local MP, John Horam, adding three more trains each way opened a new £325,000 staff and around 25 minutes will be learning and development centre cut from the journey time. Most for Southeastern at Orpington on trains will take just 2hrs 7mins to 5th November. complete the 192-mile journey, The building was a former South with the fastest train of the day Eastern & Chatham Railway engine taking just two hours. shed dating back to around 1917 and is said to still have the old rails beneath the floorboards. It had been used until recently as a drivers’ depot. In addition to four touch-screen, computer-equipped air-conditioned classrooms for learning a range of railway-related disciplines, three Class 375/376 Electrostar and Class 465/466 Networker driver simulators have been installed from Ashford. The complex replaces the previous training facilities at Lincoln House in London. p Chris Dixon pu Both: Brian Morrison

RailwayThe Herald 7 Railtours & Excursions Steam team for 'Big Four' locomotives feature in Hertfordshire Steam Dreams 2008 programme Speculation about the or elsewhere, for the New destinations and with the train continuing representatives of ‘The future of Hertfordshire Hertfordshire brand to locomotives representing to Minehead with West Big Four’ will be No. Railtours is very much continue to operate and each of the ‘Big Four’ Somerset traction and then 30777 Sir Lamiel with early wide of the mark says prosper. plus British Railways are back to Bishops Lydeard and late season turns to Passenger Business The future is expected the feature of Steam after a break by the sea. Canterbury, Gloucester Manager Paul Blowfield. to become much clearer Dreams 2008 programme However, the highlight of and Stratford-upon- While the newly formed in the forthcoming announced this week. the company's early season Avon, together with No. Stobart Group, which weeks. However, during Along with the usual programme has to be two 34067 Tangmere that also absorbed both the Eddie the review period new ‘Cathedrals’ itineraries are trips within three days works to Canterbury and Stobart operation and initiatives will be put on two new routes, the first between London Liverpool Stratford-upon-Avon. Westlink, is undertaking a hold which include plans is to test the market for Street and Norwich The one Great Western review of its business, the for the operating arm of Sunday trains to Norwich, with No. 70013 Oliver appearance is No. 6024 company advising Railway the company to train its via Cambridge and Ely, Cromwell, recreating those King Edward I on the Leeds Herald that details of this own team of steam drivers operating on 4th May ‘heady’ days of the 1950’s, to Kings Cross ‘1948 will now be available within and firemen, which has with No. 60019 Bittern when the introduction of Exchange the next two weeks. Victa recently been reported, and later on 31st August ‘Britannia’s’ rejuvenated Anniversary’ special on Westlink Rail does remain together with suggested with No. 6233 Duchess of East Anglian mainline 31st May. ‘totally committed to plans to use B1 No. 61264 the future of passenger on mainline trains. Sutherland. Cheltenham and services. Both trains The company also has operations’. Under the existing Worcester are also new follow the classic route via its ‘Coronation’ special The question could well management of destinations, which should Chelmsford, Colchester between Kings Cross and be under which umbrella Hertfordshire there is a provide No. 6233 with a and Ipswich to Norwich Edinburgh in July which is does the passenger determination to move half-decent test running with ‘The Norfolkman’ already sold out and now business operate? the business forward, as both ways over Sapperton operating on 11th June and has a waiting list, probably Needless to say, there illustrated by their plans on 27th August. ‘The East Anglian’ two days now long enough to fill are opportunities either to become a player in the Minehead also later. With the locomotive another train! within the Stobart Group, steam market. features with two trains, due to recommence it’s Without doubt this is an commencing on 16th July mainline career less than enterprising programme with No. 60019 followed three weeks earlier, these which will appeal to both q After completing the hard climb to Standedge, running by 20th August with No. trips should prove to be the enthusiast and public through Huddersfield, Halifax and Sowerby Bridge on The 6233. Unlike last year, extremely popular. No. alike. For full details of the Cotton Mill Express on 3rd November, the train still had these trains will be steam 70013 returns later in the Steam Dreams trains go to the climb to Copy Pit summit to reach the calling point of hauled throughout, but year for outings to Bristol, http://www.railwayherald. Blackburn. Here, the Ian Riley duo of LMS Black 5 4-6-0 No. 45407 and BR Standard 4MT No. 76079 make a fine sight as the mainline locomotive Exeter and Canterbury co.uk/railtours or http:// they attack the famous incline with sure footed confidence will come-off at Bishops during September. www.steamdreams.com on the final approach to the summit. Peter Kellett Lydeard for servicing, The remaining RailtoursNewsDesk & Excursions XTRA

u Past Time has announced that its 24th November ‘Borderman’ tour from Preston to Carlisle via Shap in each direction will now be hauled by No. 6201 Princess Elizabeth instead of No. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley, as the latter will not be mainline certified in time. A mainline test for No. 60007 around the ‘Carnforth Circle’ had been pencilled in for next week, which now looks to have been postponed due to ‘paper-work issues’ and as we closed for press a departure date from it’s current home on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway had still to be announced. Meanwhile, Past Time will be announcing new dates to operate Sir Nigel Gresley early next year shortly.

u The mainline return of No. 60019 Bittern has again been delayed, with the locomotive not being ready in time to haul Railway Touring Company’s ‘Southern Belle’ to Portsmouth on 17th November. The use of Bittern as motive power was a replacement for the original loco No. 34067 Tangmere, which has been withdrawn recently due to problems. The train has now been cancelled.

u Pathfinder’s Buffer Puffer 6.0 featuring two Mainline Class 31’s in top and tail mode around London termini and the south-east on 26th January p Southern Railway Merchant Navy Pacific No. 35028 Clan Line blows off steam as it coasts is already a sell-out. With demand for tickets still through Lyne on 3rd November with the 12.28 Victoria - Victoria VSOE British Pullman on a running at a high level the company have announced Surrey Hills Luncheon service. Ken Brunt a re-run on 8th March, with the ‘Buffer Puffer 6.1’ running to the same itinerary but this time with UK Steam & Modern Traction Railtour ListingsListings a pair of Class 37’s. The outline route is based on The following table details the latest information available on steam, diesel and electric London Kings Cross, and involves, at some point, railtours for the forthcoming weeks from the date of publication. Information is understood touching the buffers at Uckfield, East Grinstead, to be correct at the time of going to press. London Bridge, Victoria, Cannon Street, Blackfriars 10th November and Gordon Hill Bay Platform before returning to Hertfordshire (MM) 2xRiviera 47 London King's Cross-Barrow Hill-Deepcar and return Kings Cross. Kingfisher Railtours 6201 (Preston-Warrington BQ-Frodsham-Helsby-Chester-Shrewsbury- Bristol TM (break-rev))-Bristol TM-Hereford-Crewe-(and return) u The West Coast Railway Company has just Past Time Rail 61994/62005 Middlesborough-York-Barrow Hill (now operates on 9 November) announced dates for both the ‘Jacobite’ and Pathfinder Tours EWS Cl.37/Cl.50 Euston-dc lines-Watford Jct-Tring (rev)-Barking (rev)-Clapham Jct- ‘Cambrian Coast’ workings for 2008. The ‘Jacobite’ Bletchley-Bedford (rev)-Bletchley-Northampton-London Euston will run every weekday between 19th May and Railway Touring Company 7607945407 (Kettering-)Leicester-Derby-Chesterfield-Peak Forest-Buxton 10th October, with weekend running also between (break/rev)-Whaley Bridge-Stockport-Hope Valley and return 28th June and 31st August. This gives a total 17th November of nine weeks of daily operations in the West Hertfordshire (Pullman) 2xRiveria Cl 47 London Victoria-Staplehurst(break)-Ashford-Canterbury-Victoria Highlands between Fort William and Mallaig. Of Railway Touring Company 60019 London Victoria-Portsmouth Harbour and return Cancelled more significance is the return of the company to Railway Touring Company 60009 Cleethorpes-Scunthorpe-Huddersfield-Man Vic-Helsby-Chester & rtn the Cambrian Coast with a peak season operation Vintage Trains 4965 Tyseley Warwick Road-Nuneaton-Nottingham-Lincoln and return planned between 28th July and 29th August running VSOE 35028 'VSOE Luncheon': London Victoria-Guildford-London Victoria every weekday. This year West Coast have renamed the train to ‘The Cambrian’ and operationally has 22nd November Hertfordshire (Pullman) 2xRiveria Cl 47 Stevenage-Potters Bar-Finsbury Park-Oxford and return one significant difference - on Wednesday’s and Friday’s the train will run through to Pwllheli. The 24th November operation will again be based out of Machynlleth. Hertfordshire (Pullman) 2xRiveria Cl 47 London Paddington-Slough-Reading-Ludlow and return Traction for both Scottish and Welsh operations Kingfisher Railtours tbc (Coventry-)Willesden-Folkestone Harbour Postponed remains to be confirmed and details will be provided Past Time Rail 6201 (London Euston-Coventry-Wolves-Stafford-Crewe-Preston)- in next week's Railway Herald. Preston-Shap-Carlisle (rev)-Shap-Preston (and return) Past Time Rail tbc Taunton-Bristol TM-Bristol Parkway-Cheltenham Spa-York and return Pathfinder Tours 2 x Cl31 Cardiff Central-Barnt Green-Crewe-Ulverston-Barrow Docks- Barrow (break)-Chester-Shrewsbury-Birmingham NS and return Railway Touring Company 60019 'The Bath & Bristol': London Victoria-East Croydon-Dorking- The Week Ahead Guildford-Reading-Bath-Bristol TM (break/rev) and return Steam Dreams 60009 & 50049 (London KX-Stevenage-Peterborough-York)(break) York-London KX Compared with recent times, the coming week is a Steamy Affairs 2xCR Cl47 Ashford-Tonbridge-Kensington Olympia-York and return quiet one for charters with just four tours booked Vintage Trains Cl.50 Tyseley Warwick Road-Stratford upon Avon-London Cancelled for 17th November, of which three are steam Vintage Trains 4965 Tyseley Warwick Road-Wolverhampton-Crewe-Chester and return hauled. 29th November Railway Touring Company has ‘The Cheshireman’ Hertfordshire (Pullman) tbc London KX-Potters bar-Stevenage-York and return with No. 60009 Union of South Africa throughout from Cleethorpes, via Doncaster, Huddersfield Key to tour listings: and the Standedge route to Chester and back. BLACK Charters expected to operate as booked. RED Tours cancelled by the operator GREEN Tours postponed to a future date by the operator WCRC West Coast Railway Company Meanwhile Vintage Trains have No. 4965 Rood Ashton MM Merrymaker from Hertfordshire Rail Tours BLUE Provisional excursion Hall lined up for an excursion from Tyseley via (Locations) in brackets on a steam tour listing indicates a diesel or electric-hauled section. Nuneaton, Leicester and Nottingham to Lincoln, whilst VSOE operate a British Pullman luncheon Not all pick up/set down points are shown. Check with the operator before travelling any distance. train to Whitstable, Ramsgate and Ashford from London Victoria with No. 35028 Clan Line. Useful Weblinks Hertfordshire also operate out of Victoria on 17 November, with a Leeds Castle working which sets n Online railtour listings n Current fire-risk status info The down at Staplehurst for a break before returning to Railwayn Tour operators Herald contact details n Email the railtours editor Victoria via Ashford, Canterbury and Broadstairs.

RailwayThe Herald 9 Railtours & Excursions q GWR 9400 Class 0-6-0PT No. 9466 arrives at Ironbridge Power Station with a Vintage Trains charter from Tyseley on 3rd November. Ian Allison Steaming back to Ironbridge

8 RailwayThe Herald RailtoursNewsDesk & Excursions XTRA

p Tyseley's ex-GWR 9400 Class 0-6-0PT No. 9466 slogs up the I-in-50 gradient q After visiting Birch Coppice, the train reversed and headed off on its at Coalbrookdale viaduct, between Ironbridge and Lightmoor, with the 15.40 penultimate leg. Here, No. 9466 crosses the iron bridge, at Ironbridge as the Ironbridge - Tyseley on 3rd November. Andrew Bannister charter approaches its destination of Ironbridge Power Station. Chris Wilson

RailwayThe Herald 9 Weekly Pictorial

p On 6th November, a trial train of aggregate operated from the Tarmac q Still retainings it Trainload Grey livery but with Yellow EWS stickers, Quarry at Rylstone, near Skipton, to Leeds. Departing at 11.17 the train passes Class 60 No. 60079 is pictured at Ashchurch reversing an MoD service the glorious setting of Rylstone village with Class 60 No. 60065 Spirit of Jaguar onto the branch. The train is a combination of Intermodal and tanks. in charge of 21 loaded ex-National Power JMA wagons. Ian Tunstall Peter Tandy

10 RailwayThe Herald Weekly Pictorial

p The Settle & Carlisle line has now been closed for several weeks to allow q A further engineering working on the same day, Class 66/5 No. 66581 track relaying work to take place. Freightliner Heavy Haul has been heavily passes Garsdale with a return working of low-height Network Rail-liveried involved in working the trains from Crewe Basford Hall to the worksite. Bardon spoil carrying wagons, bound for Crewe Basford Hall. Aggregates No. 66623 passes Selside bound for Crewe on 4th November. Both: Wayne Taylor

RailwayThe Herald 9 Weekly Pictorial

p Class 52 No. D1015 Western Champion was used by Colas Rail on 7th q On 6th November, one of the few remaining Class 57/0s No. 57006 November to move the SecoRail-liveried High Output Ballast Cleaner from Freightliner Reliance was used at the helm of a Ditton-Southampton Reading West Junction Yard to Eastleigh. Here, the unusual consist and motive intermodal service, with Class 66/5 No. 66579 'dead in tow'. No. 57006 power passes Great Cheverel. Mark Few heads along the 'up relief' line towards South Moreton. Don Gatehouse

10 RailwayThe Herald Preservation View

GWR Diesel Gala Pictorial

The Gloucestershire & Warwickshire Railway held its Autumn Diesel Gala on 3rd/4th November, which saw the resident home fleet in action.

p For most of the day the line, was enclosed in thick fog, although this did allow some atmospheric night photographs to be captured of Class 47/0 No. 47105 at Cheltenham Racecourse with the delayed 16.55 service to Toddington on 4th November. Nathan Williamson u Bearing the headboard of 'Slough IECC on tour', Class 20 No. D8137 awaits time at Winchcombe with a Cheltenham Racecourse to Toddington service on 4th November. Danny Scroggins

RailwayThe Herald 13 Preservation View NYMR hosts 'Valley Aid' and donates at least £15,000 to Severn Valley Flood Disaster Appeal The North Yorkshire Moors Railway hosted a special gala weekend on 3rd-5th November in support of the Severn Valley Railway. The aim of the event was to raise funds towards the restoration of the line between Bewdley and Bridgnorth, that was devasted by heavy flooding earlier this year. Locomotive owners joined with the railway in offering their engine's free of charge for use during the weekend and in addition to the regular service trains between Pickering and Grosmont, the Class 50 Alliance provided No. 50049 Defiance for use on services between Whitby and Battersby Junction. The weekend has been judged to have been a success with NYMR General Manager, Philip Benham, reporting that the donation from the railway to the SVR will be at least £15,000. The staff, volunteers and management of the railway are to be applauded for supporting the Severn Valley and showing a kindness within the heritage movement that at times can be lacking. The donation of no 2 less than /3rds of the proceeds from the weekend has provided support to the SVR and served to keep the focus of the problem in the public arena. Meanwhile on the SVR itself, work on restoring the line between Bewdley and Bridgnorth continues, and most of the minor jobs have now been completed. However, work at the three major sites, Northwood Lane, Highley Station and Sterns Cottage continues with a target date of next Easter for a fully re-opened railway. This should coincide with the opening of The Engine House Project at Highley, where the building is now complete with some of the smaller exhibits in situ. However, they have their fingers firmly crossed that the winter does not disrupt progress with the work. There is the prospect of a shuttle service, operated in top and tail mode, from Bridgnorth to the summit of Eardington Bank soon, although p The Class 50 Alliance's No. 50049 Defiance powers under Larpool Viaduct the Cleobury Mortimer road bridge was the subject of a ‘bridge bash and along the River Esk on the departure from Whitby with the 11.00 Whitby - Goathland service. The viaduct carries the long-closed Whitby West Cliff - recently’ which may affect their plans. Meanwhile, at the southern end of Scarborough line, which is now a footpath on 3rd November. Robin Patrick the line, preparations for the Santa special season continue with trains for the weekend prior to Christmas now almost fully booked. q DPS Class 55 No. D9009 Alyicidon powers through Beckhole on the climb Demand for earlier weekends is ‘buoyant’, which is encouraging, to Goathland on 3rd November, with the 11.50 service to Grosmont. The although not at the level of previous years. The trains will operate loco, along with No. 55019 Royal Highland Fusilier returned to Barrow Hill between Kidderminster and Bewdley on each weekend in December. just after the gala weekend. Warren Armstrong

12 RailwayThe Herald Preservation View

A1 Trusts borrows mainline coach

The A1 Trust has reached an agreement with the Eastleigh Railway Preservation Society (ERPS) to utilise its support coach. This coach is normally used with Lord Nelson, but while the locomotive undergoes assessment and repair following its recent boiler problems the support coach is being loaned to the Trust. The vehicle has been moved initially to the North Norfolk Railway for safe storage and painting into Carmine and Cream livery. It will be returned to the ERPS when Lord Nelson returns to the main line. This will allow sufficient time for the p In a scene that could easily be reminiscent of a fish train out of Whitby in the 1950s, the North Eastern A1 Trust to complete its own Locomotive Group's recently restored ex-NER Q6 Class 0-8-0 No. 63395 powers a demonstration freight northwards through Needle Point in Newtondale on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. The locomotive has been turned to face work on the support coach for north for a series of photo charters. Dave Maloney Tornado. Overhaul work on 'S160' continues apace at Churnet Valley On the Churnet Valley Railway, work has completed the manufacture of the main on the overhaul of United States Army components. Assembly of these components Transportation Corps 'S160' 2-8-0 No. 6046 has now commenced with delivery expected continues with removal of the piston head by the end of this year, 2007. from the piston shaft. A second Tank has been ordered Elsewhere on the locomotive the tender to replace that which is currently operational tank was found, on inspection, to be beyond with the line's other S160 No. 5197. The economical repair. Although the overhaul of latter locomotive is due to be withdrawn for the loco frames, firebox and boiler is being its 10-yearly overhaul in 2009. carried out ‘in house’, owner Gregory Wilson decided to commission new drawings earlier this year and put the construction of a new u Work on the piston heads from USATC 'S160' tank out to tender. continues at Cheddleton on 5th November. A Staffordshire company was successful and David Gibson Superbly restored Siphon G returns to traffic at Bewdley q The Great Western (SVR) Association has recently outshopped its 1927-built GW Siphon G No. 1257, and it is seen here resplendent in Great Western 1920’s passenger goods brown livery. The restoration has taken three years, and it will be back in traffic for the SVR 'Santa trains' next month. The vehicle is thought to be the only example of an outside framed bogie (also known as an ‘American’ bogie) vehicle in existence. Work included roof repairs, new canvas, buffer overhaul, new sections of framework, replacement tongue and groove panelling, new lovures and new and rebuilt doors. It will look a fine sight when matched with their Great Western ‘Toplight’ rake with an appropriate heritage locomotive at the helm! Colin Jenkins

RailwayThe Herald 17 Preservation View Recreating the past on the Welsh Highland Bob Branch organised two charters on the Welsh Highland Railway (WHR) over the weekends of 27th/28th October and 3rd/4th November, which gave the opportunity for participants to get a flavour of what is in store once this already highly scenic line pushes south from its existing southern terminus of Rhyd-Ddu through the Aberglasyn Pass and onwards to connect with the Ffestiniog Railway at Porthmadog. Track laying is now complete through the Aberglasyn Pass, but because the track south of Rhyd Ddu is considered a construction site, charter participants were treated instead to the comfort two ex-London Transport Routemaster buses for part of the day. What is certain, is that when completed and fully opened the line really is going to be the premier 'Great Little Train of Wales' featuring difficult gradients and passing through superb scenery, and is sure to become one of the world’s great railways. Track-laying is expected to be completed early next year, with a tentative opening throughout in 2009. For the charter, 1864-built George England & Co locomotives No. 2 Prince and No. 4 Palmerston, from the Ffestiniog Railway, were moved onto the line from the Ffestiniog and with a trailing load of three vehicles, were required to work hard on the route. Although motive p An alternative view of the Welsh Highland Railway on the new section between Rhyd-Ddu and Beddgelert. Ffestiniog Railway No.2 Prince approaches Beddgelert Forest, seen across power for the passenger service on the WHR is the the bonnet of Routemaster bus No.RML2515. Ahead is routemaster No. RM2059. imported South-African Beyer-Garratt locomotives, the charter recreated several scenes from the past, as the q A brief spell of sunshine highlights No. 2 Prince as it hurries past Llyn Cwellyn near G. England-built locomotives frequently worked through Snowdon Ranger at the commencement of the 4th November charter, which is on the opened from Porthmadog. stretch of the railway between Waunfawr and Rhyd Ddu. All: John Whitehouse

12 RailwayThe Herald Preservation View

p Full power is applied to 1864-built No. 4 Palmerston as it rounds one of the tight reverse curves near Beddgelert on the 1-in-40 climb northwards towards Rhyd-Ddu. This is on the section which is yet to be opened to the public. John Whitehouse

RailwayThe Herald 13 Diary

The editor welcomes details of forthcoming [email protected] and should accept any responsibility for any inaccuracies events, talks, slide shows, conferences, model include a brief outline of the event, including or events which are amended, cancelled or railway exhibitions and club meetings for the speakers name if appropriate, date, time and postponed. Information, such as advance inclusion within this section. location, together with contact details (either programmes and club meeting line-ups can also Details should be sent via email to telephone, web or email). Railway Herald cannot be sent through the post to the editorial address.

9th November 2007 Great Western Society 16th November 2007 Stafford Railway Society Altrincham Electric Railway (Bristol Group) Locomotive Club of Great St. Leonard's Sport & Social Club, Preservation Society Room 7, BAWA. 589 Southmead Britain, Central London Branch St. Leonard's Avenue, Stafford. Altrincham Methodist Church Hall, Road, Filton, BRISTOL, BS34 7RG. Main Hall, Model Railway Club, "Member's Slide Competition", Barrington Road, Altrincham. Contact: 0117 987 3244. "Aspects Keen House, 4 Calshot Street. "BR judged by Mark Brayford. Starts '40 Years of Steam in Yugoslavia' by of the GWR" talk by Peter Lugg. Branch Lines" by Dave Soggee 19.30, Adults £2, Concessions £1. John Sloane. Start 19.30, Starts 19.30 for 19.45. Starts 19.15, Donation of £2. Non-members £3.00 Non-members welcome. 20th November 2007 Scarborough Railway Society North Wales Railway Circle Cambridge University RCTS (Nottingham) Public Library, Vernon Road, Railway Institute, Euston Railway Club Nottingham Mechanics, 3 North Scarborough. '20th Century Steam' Road, Bangor (above the Post Andrew Room, Sidney Sussex Sherwood Street. "All aboard the Film Evening by Ian Wolstencroft. Office, Sorting Office. "Talk College, Cambridge. Pines Express Part 2" by Chris Starts 19.30. Visitors welcome on the Ashover Light Railway, "High Level Output Strategy" by Youett. Start 7.30pm. Derbyshire." Starts 19.30, Chistian Wolmar. 17th November 2007 Entrance fee £1.50. Starts 8.30pm for 9pm, non- 14th November 2007 East Lancashire Railway members welcome. Bromsgrove Railway Club Diesel Running Day - Class 24 No. Peak Rail Association St. Godwalds Church Hall, Aston D5054 in operation (Chesterfield Branch) 10th November 2007 Fields, Bromsgrove. 'Darjeeling Upstairs function room, New Inn, East Lancashire Railway & Himalayan update by David 17th-18th November 2007 229 Mansfield Road, Hasland. "The Sulzer Diesel Theme Day BarrieArrive 19.15 for 19.45 start. Bassetlaw (North Notts) Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway" New members welcome Railway Society slide evening by Mick Hayes. Start RCTS (Exeter) Town Hall, Market Square, Retford. 7.30pm. Administion free. Conference Room, Richmond Grimsby & Cleethorpes Model Railway Exhibition. Sat House, YMCA, 39-41 St. Davids Railway Group 10.00-17.00, Sun 10.00-16.00. At RCTS (Cambridge) Hill. "The Magnificent Hydraulics" Royal Air Force Club, Alexandra least 12 layouts 'N' to 'O' gauge, Abbey Meadows Community by Bernard Mills. Start 7.00pm. Road, Cleethorpes. 'More of my incl Oldham King Street (O), Wing, Community Primary favourite steam slides' by Tony Bassetfield (OO), Barnaby Junction School, Galfrid Road. "BR Steam Toy & Train Collectors' Fair Othen. Starts 7.30pm (009) and Westwood (TT) plus Miscellany" by David Barham. Start Exeter Hall, Oxford Road, 8 trade stands and video show. 7.30pm. Kidlinton, Oxford. Toy & Train Fair. RCTS (Hitchin) Adults £3, Seniors £2, Child £1. 11.00-16.00. Hitchin Christian Centre, Bedford RCTS (Scunthorpe) Road. "Leighton Buzzard Railway" Bluebell Railway Kinsley Labour Club, Cole Street, 10th-11th November 2007 by Colin Bassett. Start 7.30pm. 1920s Weekend Scunthorpe. "Steaming through Barrow Hill Roundhouse, Britain" by Graham Briggs. Start Chesterfield 15th November 2007 Locomotion 7.30pm. Steam Gala - LNER Theme Barrow Hill ES Soceity Cab It Weekend Event, with visiting K1, K4, A4 Barrow Hill Roundhouse. 21st November 2007 locomotives and others. 'Changing Scenes on the Old 18th November 2007 RCTS (Eastleigh)/Somerset & Road” by Chris Jones. Starts Cholsey & Wallingford Railway Dorset Trust Lakeside & Haverthwaite 7.30pm. Diesel Running Day Eastleigh Railway Institute, Romsey Railway Road, Eastleigh. "Working on the Diesel Gala weekend, with various Irish Railway Record The Model Railway Club Somerset & Dorest in BR Days" by locos in action. Society (London Area) Keen House, 4 Calshot Street, Keith Barrett. Start 7.45pm. The Exmouth Arms, 1 Starcross London. N1 9DA. "Infrastructure 11th November 2007 Street, London. NW1 2HR. work out on the main line" an 22nd November 2007 East Lancashire Railway 'Cravens to Rotem - The illustrated talk by John Stretton. RCTS (Sussex Branch) Sulzer Diesel & Steam operating Transformation of Iarnród Éireann” Brighthelm Church & Community day. by Steve Murphy, Former General 19th November 2007 Centre, North Road, Brighton. Manager Southern & Western, RCTS (Chester) "Military Port No1 & The Faslane 12th November 2007 Iarnród Éireann. Starts 7pm. The Town Crier, City Road/Station Military Railway" by Mike Walshaw. RCTS (Sheffield) Non-members welcome, minimum Road (opposite railway station Start 7.30pm. £1.50 donation. St. Mathews Church Rooms, donation £2. entrance). Carver Street, Sheffield. "Steam "BR in the 1980s" by Bob 23rd November 2007 around Sheffield" by Mike Haynes. Marlow & District Railway Casselden. Start 7.45pm. Cambridge University Start 7.30pm. Society Railway Club Garden Room, Liston Hall, Liston RCTS (Coventry) Andrew Room, Sidney Sussex York Railway Circle Road, Marlow. 'More from Colour Hylands Hotel, Warwick Road. College, Cambridge. 'The Silk Archbishop Holgate's School, Rail' by Ron White. Starts 7.45pm "Travels with the New Railway' a talk by Stuart Baker. Drama Studio, Hull Road, York. for 8pm, Non-members £2. Measurement Train" by Andrew Starts 8.30pm for 9pm, 'Running a Heritage Railway by Royal. Start 7.30pm. Non-members welcome. Philip Benham, General Manager Monmouthshire Rly Society of North Yorkshire Moors Room A28, UWCN, Allt-Yr-Yn Ave, RCTS (Northampton) 24th November 2007 Railway. Starts 19.30. Membership Newport, Gwenty. The Railways of Dunston Conservative Club, East Lancashire Railway available. Non-Members £2 Colonel Stephens by Mr. T. Ward. Meeting Lane, Main Road, Dunston. Diesel Running Day - Class 40 No. Starts 19.30, Non-members £3 "Quiz Night" Start 7.30pm. D335 in operation 13th November 2007 8E Railway Association RCTS (Pudsey) RCTS (Oxford) Dartmoor Railway The Gladstone Club, Station Road, The Fulneck Room, Pudsey Civic West Oxford Democrats Club, 1 Class 47 operating weekend, with Northwich. 'Rail Tour of Glorious Hall. "Development of Leeds North Street, Osney. "The South services working over the full 13 Devon' by Stephen Gay. Station" by Ron Rocket. Start Western since Privatisation" by miles of line between Okehampton Starts 7.45pm 7.30pm. Brian Denton. Start 7.30pm. and Coleford Junction.

20 RailwayThe Herald Diary

Julie & John Webb Toy Fairs North Wales Railway Circle 14th December 2007 27th December 2007 The International Hall, Brentwood Railway Institute, Euston Road, Altrincham Electric Railway D. J. Fairs Ltd Centre, Brentwood. Bangor (above the Post Office, Preservation Society Donnington Park Exhibition Sorting Office. BTP Safety and Altrincham Methodist Church Hall, Centre. Toy & Train Fair. 10.30- 24th-25th November 2007 illustrated talk on "The Railways of Barrington Road, Altrincham. 15.30. Adults £3, Children £1. Swanage Railway New Zealand" by Bill Rogerston. 'Manchester and the Llandudno 1940s Weekend. Starts 19.30, Entrance fee £1.50. & Colwyn Bay Tramway Then and Gloucestershire Now' by Keith Chadbourne. Start Warwickshire Railway 5th December 2007 19.30, Non-members £3.00 Diesel Running Day. 26th November 2007 Scottish Rly Preservation RCTS (Sheffield) Society (Motherwell) 16th December 2007 29th December 2007 St. Mathews Church Rooms, Conference Room, St. Mary's D. J. Fairs Ltd Julie & John Webb Toy Fairs Carver Street, Sheffield. "O Church, Avon Street. Motherwell. National Exhibition Centre, The International Hall, Brentwood Winson Link & North & Western" 'Railways North and West of Birmingham. Toy & Train Fair. Centre, Brentwood. by Bob Gellately. Start 7.30pm. Stirling' by Mike Jodeluk. 10.30-16.00. Adults £5, Starts 7.30pm, contact Alistair Children £2. 29th-30th December 2007 Maclean on 01698 263814 for Churnet Valley Railway 27th November 2007 further details. 17th December 2007 'Winter Warmer' event. RCTS (Nottingham) Stafford Railway Society Nottingham Mechanics. "BR in the 6th December 2007 St. Leonard's Sport & Social 30th December 2007 Early 1960s" by Hugh Gould. Scottish Rly Preservation Club, St. Leonard's Avenue, D. J. Fairs Ltd Start 7.30pm. Society (Edinburgh) Stafford. "Member's Christmas East of England Showground, Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Special", Starts 19.30, Adults £2, Peterborough. Toy & Train Fair. RCTS (Welwyn Garden City) Terrace, Edinburgh. 'Members Slide Concessions £1. 10.30-15.30. Adults £3, Children The Methodist Church, Cole Evening'. Starts 7.30pm, contact Dr. £1. Green Lane, Ludwick Green. Peter Howell on 0131 334 5232 18th December 2007 "Bringing B1 61264 back to Life" for further details. North Wales Railway Circle Julie & John Webb Toy Fairs by Mike Coley. Start 7.30pm. Railway Institute, Euston Road, The Charter Hall (part of 7th December 2007 Bangor (above the Post Office, Colchester Leisure World), 28th November 2007 Gloucestershire Sorting Office. "Christmas Party Cowdray Avenue, Colchester RCTS (Chichester) Warwickshire Rly and Members slides, digital and Council Meeting Room 1, County (Birmingham Area Group) video pictures." Starts 19.30, 31st December 2007 Hall, West Street, Chichester Northfield Library, Church Road, Entrance fee £1.50. D. J. Fairs Ltd "Steam in Camera" by Graham Northfield. Evening Slide show by Doncaster Racecourse, Doncaster.. Stacey. Start 7.30pm. Phil Darlaston. Starts 19.30. Peak Rail Association Toy & Train Fair. 10.30-15.30. (Chesterfield Branch) Adults £3, Children £1. 10th December 2007 Upstairs function room, New 29th November 2007 York Railway Circle Inn, 229 Mansfield Road, Hasland. 1st January 2008 RCTS (Preston) Archbishop Holgate's School, "Pre-grouping railtour of Britain Didcot Railway Centre Claremont Hotel, Blackpool Road, Drama Studio, Hull Road, York. in Colour" by Ken Grainger. Didcot New Year Steamday. Preston. "Steam in the 1960s" by 'Mainline Steam in 2007' DVD/Stereo Start 7.30pm. Administion is Hugh Ballantyne - non-members large screen presentation by Karl free, although donations area welcome. Start 7.30pm. Jauncey & Dave Richards of PSOV. encouraged. Internet Links Sales Stand. Starts 19.30. Membership Click on the name of the group or 30th November 2007 available. Non-Members £2 21st December 2007 society to visit their website. Scarborough Railway Society Locomotive Club of Great u Bassetlaw (Nth Notts) Rly Society Public Library, Vernon Road, 12th December 2007 Britain, Central London Branch u Great Western Society (Bristol) Scarborough. 'Society Members Bromsgrove Railway Club Main Hall, Model Railway Club, u Locomotive Club of Great Britain Digital Evening. Starts 19.30. St. Godwalds Church Hall, Aston Fields, Keen House, 4 Calshot Street. u Manchester Model Railway Society Bromsgrove. 'Club AGM, Members "Mainly narrow gauge in East u Marlow & District Railway Society Slides, Photographic Competition and ", memories of former u North Wales Railway Circle 2nd December 2007 more!' Arrive 19.15 for 19.45 start. DDR, plus wine and mince pies. u RCTS D. J. Fairs Ltd New members welcome Starts 19.15, Donation of £2. u Stafford Railway Society Yorkshire Event Centre, Harrogate. Toy & Train Fair. 10.30-15.30. q One of two DMU units currently operated by Network Rail and converted from Metro-Cammell Class 101 Adults £3, Children £1. passenger DMUs, Lab 19 No. 901002 Iris II is seen in a patch of autumnal sunshine near Crofton while working a test special from Reading to Woodborough Sidings on 6th November. Ken Brunt 3rd December 2007 Stafford Railway Society St. Leonard's Sport & Social Club, St. Leonard's Aven, Stafford. "Peak Forest to Limerick via Teeside" (Modern Traction mid-90s to present) by John Catterson. Starts 19.30, Adults £2, Concessions £1.

4th December 2007 Great Western Society (Bristol Group) Room 7, BAWA. 589 Southmead Road, Filton, BRISTOL, BS34 7RG. Contact: 0117 987 3244. "The Harzer Schmalspurbahnen: Narrow Gauge Super Power in the Mountains of Germany" talk by David Brabner, Robert Heron and Dave Winter. Starts 19.30 for 19.45. Non-members welcome.

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